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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sly distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sly are artful, crafty, cunning, foxy, slick, tricky, and wily. While all these words mean "attaining or seeking to attain one's ends by guileful or devious means," sly implies furtiveness, lack of candor, and skill in concealing one's aims and methods.

a sly corporate raider

Where would artful be a reasonable alternative to sly?

The words artful and sly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, artful implies indirectness in dealing and often connotes sophistication or cleverness.

elicited the information by artful questioning

When could crafty be used to replace sly?

While in some cases nearly identical to sly, crafty implies cleverness and subtlety of method.

a crafty lefthander

In what contexts can cunning take the place of sly?

While the synonyms cunning and sly are close in meaning, cunning suggests the inventive use of sometimes limited intelligence in overreaching or circumventing.

the cunning fox avoided the trap

When is it sensible to use foxy instead of sly?

The synonyms foxy and sly are sometimes interchangeable, but foxy implies a shrewd and wary craftiness usually involving devious dealing.

a foxy publicity man planting stories

When is slick a more appropriate choice than sly?

In some situations, the words slick and sly are roughly equivalent. However, slick emphasizes smoothness and guile.

slick operators selling time-sharing

When might tricky be a better fit than sly?

Although the words tricky and sly have much in common, tricky is more likely to suggest shiftiness and unreliability than skill in deception and maneuvering.

a tricky political operative

When would wily be a good substitute for sly?

The meanings of wily and sly largely overlap; however, wily implies skill and deception in maneuvering.

the wily fugitive escaped the posse

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sly Trier and his longtime co-writer Eskil Vogt draw us in quickly to the family dynamic, establishing the sly ripples of humor that run through even the darker scenes. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 The buddy comedy finds Hopps, the police department’s first rabbit cop, working full-time with Wilde, the sly fox and former grifter. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 Based on the memoir of a real doctor, the stories and tribulations feel achingly real, and Whishaw's sly smile and tongue-in-cheek delivery keeps the depressing stories from becoming too morose. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 May 2025 Meanwhile, Adebayo has continued to support Wilson with sly social media posts. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sly
Adjective
  • With wit and cunning, the protagonists navigate the ever-present systems of oppression that encircle them and their relationships.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
  • President Trump does not exhibit Bismarck’s cunning, inscrutability, or proclivity for complicated diplomacy.
    Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the back garden, for example, there’s a shady grove with hammocks and low seating that is one of the couple’s favorite places to enjoy quiet moments.
    Katia Contreras, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
  • Best Types of Hibiscus for Hummingbirds Hibiscus plants come in a range of options—from native perennials to tropical annuals—all of which attract hummingbirds and are suited for sunny to partly shady spaces, says Myers.
    Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Next, Negan saw Annie… and Joshua (whose smile was as mischievous as we’d been told).
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 15 June 2025
  • View More On the cover, a young Chenier holds a 25-pound accordion the length of his torso, a big, mischievous smile on his face.
    Reya Hart, The Atlantic, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Amazon is stocked with tons of cute coin purses that capture the kawaii aesthetic of Japanese street style.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025
  • Sourced from our favorite spots like J.Crew, Gap, Nordstrom Rack, and Amazon, these linen pieces are high quality and cute.
    Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, studies suggest that, in practice, work and other eligibility requirements achieve a lot of savings in a sort of sneaky way.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 26 June 2025
  • At age 17, Brown learned the truth, thanks to Barr’s fame — and, allegedly, a sneaky ex-boyfriend, the comedian recalled to Bunnie.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s 663 days between pitching appearances – and 663 days since fans caught a glimpse of his wicked four-seam fastball and splitter.
    Julia Andersen, CNN Money, 16 June 2025
  • To its credit, Seattle responded strongly after the break and pulled one back when Cristian Roldan’s header took a wicked deflection and snuck into the Botafogo net.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • When paired to a non-Huawei phone, audio quality still sounds good, but has a subtle loss of depth.
    Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Bow Strap midi dress: $139 (Nordstrom) This Petal & Pup Floret midi dress at Nordstrom offers a modern take on boho fashion with its subtle floral design, cute ladylike details and flattering cut.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • His squirrelly, strained voice was well attuned to the furtive ambivalence of his stage presence.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
  • The visual language is nimble, sometimes furtive and obscuring, and then classical and dramatic, recalling the photography of Robert Frank or Roy DeCarava.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sly. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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